Root Canal Treatment in Andover, Hampshire, Southampton, Poole

What is a Root Canal and Why is it Needed?

A root canal is a dental procedure performed to remove the infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels) and to clean and seal the inside of the tooth. The objective is to save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction.

Root canal treatment is often required due to deep decay, a cracked or broken tooth, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or a deep filling that has damaged the tooth. The goal is to prevent the spread of infection to other teeth or other parts of the body.

Symptoms That May Suggest a Root Canal is Needed

It is important to see a dentist immediately if you experience any of these common warning signs:

Severe toothache or pain when chewing or applying pressure.
Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the stimuli have been removed.
Swelling, tenderness, or redness in the gums near the affected tooth.
A small bump or pimple on the gums (indicating an infection/abscess).
Darkening or discolouration of the affected tooth.

What Should You Know Before Having a Root Canal?

Pain & Comfort: Root canal procedures are often associated with pain, but your dentist will use local anaesthesia to numb the area, meaning you should feel pressure, but no pain during the treatment.
The Procedure: The treatment involves removing the damaged pulp, carefully cleaning and shaping the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing it with a rubber-like material.
Aftercare: Following the procedure, avoid biting or chewing on the area for a few days. You may experience some sensitivity, but this should subside within a few days.
Alternative Treatment: In some cases, an alternative like a dental crown or extraction may be available. Your dentist will advise you on the best course of treatment for your specific situation.

Root Canal Procedure Steps

Diagnosis & Access

X-rays are taken, and an opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.

Pulp Removal

The infected or damaged pulp is removed from the chamber and the root canals.

Cleaning & Shaping

The canals are meticulously cleaned, disinfected, and shaped in preparation for filling.

Filling & Sealing

The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent re-infection.

FAQs

Your concerns, answered clearly and honestly.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.

Why is root canal treatment needed?

If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess. If root canal treatment (RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.

Does it hurt?

No. A local anaesthesia is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.

What does it involve?

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist. At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle. The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.

What will my tooth look like after treatment?

In the past, a root filled tooth would often darken after treatment. However, with modern techniques this does not usually happen. If there is any discolouration, there are several treatments available to restore the natural appearance.